This CopyCat Olive Garden Salad Dressing recipe is an easy, budget-friendly way to enjoy the familiar Italian-style dressing at home. I first tried it when my usual vinaigrette was unavailable and soon realized I could recreate the flavor for a fraction of the store-bought price. We eat a lot of salads year-round, and this dressing is one of our favorites for spring and summer meals.
CopyCat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
When I discovered Olive Garden salad dressing at the grocery store, I loved the taste but not the price. Instead of buying another expensive bottle, my husband and I experimented and made a homemade version that captured the same bright, herby flavor. The result was so close to the original that we stopped buying the bottled dressing altogether.
The ingredient list may look long, but most items are common pantry staples. The dressing comes together quickly in a blender or with an immersion blender, and you can often find the Italian dressing mix packets on sale. A small pinch of xanthan gum is optional if you prefer a slightly thicker, more emulsified texture.
Ingredients
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 packet Good Seasons Italian salad dressing mix
1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
4 tbsp water
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender or tall container and blend until fully combined and smooth. If using xanthan gum, add it sparingly and blend until it thickens slightly. Transfer to a jar and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors meld and improve after an hour or two in the fridge.
This homemade version delivers the same tangy, herby taste you expect from Olive Garden-style dressing, and it’s simple to prepare. Make a batch to keep on hand for salads, as a marinade, or to drizzle over sandwiches. It’s a small change that saves money while giving you restaurant-style flavor at home.
CopyCat Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe
Jen Lunsford
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 packet Good Seasons Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 tsp grated Parmesan
- 1/8 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
- 4 tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or tall container.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using xanthan gum, add it slowly to reach your desired thickness.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Flavors improve after resting for an hour or two.